Zepto and Blinkit’s nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve, December 31; Parties spoiled for millions of revellers; Strike called because…

Some smaller restaurants are planning to use their own staff for deliveries, but this is not easy for larger brands.

New Delhi: The 10-minute delivery service offered by companies like Blinkit and Zepto is once again mired in controversy. Gig worker unions have declared a nationwide strike on December 31, calling the model unsafe. The unions demand that the pressure of fast delivery is compromising the safety and rights of delivery partners. This ‘App Bandh’ strike on New Year’s Eve could affect delivery services in several cities.

Why Are Gig Workers Against ‘10-Minute Delivery Model’?

Gig worker unions say that the 10-minute delivery model puts dangerous pressure on delivery agents. Road safety is compromised in the rush to deliver on time. The unions allege that whether the delay is due to the restaurant or the customer, the delivery agent always faces the consequences. This has intensified the demand for a complete ban on this model.

Nationwide Strike On New Year’s Eve, December 31

Several national unions, including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union, have called for an App Bandh on December 31. A strike was also held on December 25, which affected deliveries in some areas of Gurugram and Delhi. According to union leaders, this strike on New Year’s Eve could be more impactful, especially in large cities.

What Are Gig Workers Demanding?

The gig workers demand that platform companies be brought under the purview of labour laws. They are also demanding a ban on the 10-minute delivery model and the elimination of arbitrary ID blocks and penalty systems. The unions are also demanding better and transparent wages, social security, and the right to collective bargaining. A letter has also been written to the Labour Minister on this issue.

Delivery Agents Afraid Of Being Blacklisted

Many delivery agents want to join the strike, but they fear being blacklisted. According to Prashant Savardekar, president of IFAT, many workers want to protest but are afraid of repercussions from the companies. Delivery agents say that the blame for every mistake is placed on them, regardless of whether it was their fault.

How Will It Affect Buyers And Sellers?

The strike on New Year’s Eve could also impact the restaurant business. Many hotels and food outlets anticipate difficulties with deliveries. Some smaller restaurants are planning to use their own staff for deliveries, but this is not easy for larger brands.